The World Series of Poker® (WSOP) Circuit at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City set records with a $3 million prize pool, exceeding the event's combined $1.5 million in guaranteed prize pools across 18 tournaments.
The series was highlighted by the $1,700 WSOP Circuit Main Event, which carried a $600,000 guarantee and attracted nearly 700 entries, ultimately generating more than $1 million in prize money and cementing the success of the Atlantic City stop. The tournament concluded on Aug. 24 with Brian Luo of Madison, Wisconsin, capturing the championship, his second WSOP Circuit ring and a first-place prize of $189,145.
The successful series brought players from across the country to Harrah's Resort Atlantic City, generating significant action throughout the tournament schedule and surpassing key prize poolmilestones. By series end, more than $3 million had been awarded to players, surpassing the $1.5 million guaranteed at the outset of the event.
Luo's victory marked the culmination of the series that featured notable performances from some of poker's biggest names. Among them was 2015 WSOP Main Event champion Joe McKeehen, who captured both the $1,100 No-Limit Hold'em and $2,200 High Roller events, earning two WSOP Circuit rings and $77,368 in combined first-place prize money. McKeehen now owns six WSOP Circuit rings in addition to his three WSOP bracelets.
Another standout performance came from New Jersey native Stephano Kim, who won the $500 No-Limit Hold'em Mini Main Event for $71,546, securing his first WSOP Circuit ring and the second-largest first-place payout of the series.
Every WSOP Circuit ring winner from the Harrah's Resort Atlantic City stop also earned an exclusive $5,000 WSOP Paradise package, including entry into the 2026 WSOP Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty event and complimentary accommodations in The Bahamas.
Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City WSOP Circuit Main Event Final Table Results:
1st place: Brian Luo - $189,145
2nd place: Salvatore Evola - $126,067
3rd place: Yuriy Kudrynskyy - $87,187
4th place: Brian Lombardi - $61,409
5th place: Michael Bohmerwald - $44,065
6th place: Patrick Martorella - $32,224
7th place: Raymund Uy - $24,025
8th place: Michael Lavin - $18,268
9th place: Jake Dynes - $14,172
